Table of Contents
Phlebotomists have a median pay of $43,660 per year or $20.99 an hour, according to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In addition to a stable salary, the profession offers flexibility, versatility, and opportunities for advancement. However, before you can start work, you’ll need to earn a certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program.
Here’s a look at the earning potential of phlebotomists and the pros and cons of this career.
Key Points
• The average annual salary for phlebotomists in the U.S. is approximately $43,660, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Phlebotomist salaries can vary, with some earning less than $35,000 and others making over $57,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
• Salaries tend to be higher in urban areas and states with a higher cost of living, while rural areas may offer lower compensation.
• Phlebotomists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and blood donation centers, each with different pay scales and benefits.
• The job outlook for phlebotomists is favorable, with a projected growth rate that is 6% faster than the average for all occupations.
Check your score with SoFi
Track your credit score for free. Sign up and get $10.*
What Are Phlebotomists?
An essential supporting member of the healthcare community, phlebotomists are responsible for drawing blood for donations, medical exams, procedures, or research. They also help support patients who may be anxious about the blood draw or who struggle with an adverse reaction post-draw.
Other job duties often include:
• Verifying a patient’s identity
• Collect and labeling blood or other samples
• Entering sample information into a database
• Assembling, disposing of, and maintaining medical instruments
• Cleaning and sanitizing the work area and equipment
• Shipping or transporting blood or samples
Because phlebotomy requires a good bedside manner, it may not be the best fit for antisocial people.
đź’ˇ Quick Tip: We love a good spreadsheet, but not everyone feels the same. An online budget planner can give you the same insight into your budgeting and spending at a glance, without the extra effort.
How Much Do Starting Phlebotomists Make?
Those new to the field can expect to earn less than the average — the lowest 10% of phlebotomist earners bring home less than $34,860, according to the BLS.
However, the earning potential of an entry-level phlebotomist typically goes up as they gain work experience and skills. BLS data shows that the top 10% of phlebotomist earners earn more than $57,750.
No matter where you are in your career, having a budget can be an important tool for tracking spending and savings goals. A money tracker app can give you real-time insights so you can continue making progress on your financial goals.
What Is the Average Salary for a Phlebotomist?
Where someone lives can play a role in how much income they earn as a phlebotomist. As the following table shows, phlebotomists in some states earn a much higher salary than others. For example, in Oregon, a typical salary is $48,620 a year; in Florida, it’s $40,570.
What Is the Average Phlebotomist Salary by State?
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $35,760 |
| Alaska | $49,720 |
| Arizona | $45,930 |
| Arkansas | 36,850 |
| California | $55,360 |
| Colorado | $48,180 |
| Connecticut | $47,120 |
| Delaware | $46,170 |
| Florida | $40,570 |
| Georgia | $43,700 |
| Hawaii | $48,210 |
| Idaho | $42,750 |
| Illinois | $45,090 |
| Indiana | $39,370 |
| Iowa | $40,060 |
| Kansas | $40,800 |
| Kentucky | $39,880 |
| Louisiana | $36,360 |
| Maine | $41,100 |
| Maryland | $49,590 |
| Massachusetts | $50,660 |
| Michigan | $42,350 |
| Minnesota | $45,810 |
| Mississippi | $36,240 |
| Missouri | $41,330 |
| Montana | $45,370 |
| Nebraska | $39,270 |
| Nevada | $44,390 |
| New Hampshire | $46,130 |
| New Jersey | $47,400 |
| New Mexico | $40,610 |
| New York | $50,860 |
| North Carolina | $41,240 |
| North Dakota | $48,330 |
| Ohio | $41,250 |
| Oklahoma | $41,040 |
| Oregon | $48,620 |
| Pennsylvania | $42,390 |
| Rhode Island | $48,820 |
| South Carolina | $40,190 |
| South Dakota | $38,390 |
| Tennessee | $39,520 |
| Texas | $42,290 |
| Utah | $39,470 |
| Vermont | $42,420 |
| Virginia | $44,840 |
| Washington | $50,910 |
| West Virginia | $38,980 |
| Wisconsin | $44,210 |
| Wyoming | $40,960 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Recommended: Is a $100,000 a Year Salary Good?
Phlebotomist Job Considerations for Pay and Benefits
When researching how much money a phlebotomist makes, it’s important to factor in potential benefits.
While the median annual wage for phlebotomists is $43,660, their total compensation package can be much higher if they qualify for benefits like health insurance or a 401(k) match. Because it’s common to hold a full-time role as a phlebotomist at a hospital or lab, it’s possible to find a role that offers a standard suite of employee benefits, like paid vacation and dental coverage.
Looking to get the most competitive pay? Consider focusing your job-search efforts on work settings that tend to pay more. Let’s take a look at the median annual salary for phlebotomists in a few different workplaces:
• Outpatient care centers: $48,450
• Medical and diagnostic laboratories: $45,700
• Hospitals: $41,490
• Offices of physicians: $40,480
• All other ambulatory healthcare services: $39,180
Recommended: Salary vs. Hourly Pay
Pros and Cons of Phlebotomist Salary
Like any career path, phlebotomy has its share of advantages and disadvantages.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
|
• Employment of phlebotomists is anticipated to grow 6% between 2024 and 2034. • Around 18,400 openings for phlebotomists are projected each year from 2024 to 2034. • Essential role in high demand • Full-time work available • Employee benefits are common |
• Certificate from a postsecondary phlebotomy program often required • May have to work nights, weekends, and holidays • No option to work from home • Workers need to stand for long periods of time • Potential for injuries and illness when handling medical equipment |
💡 Quick Tip: When you have questions about what you can and can’t afford, a spending tracker app can show you the answer. With no guilt trip or hourly fee.
The Takeaway
Phlebotomists can expect to earn $20.99 per hour, which translates to $43,660 per year. But their earning potential can rise as they gain experience and skills, or if they work in a more lucrative setting, like an outpatient care center.
If you have a steady hand and a good bedside manner, then a career in phlebotomy may be a good fit for you.
Take control of your finances with SoFi. With our financial insights and credit score monitoring tools, you can view all of your accounts in one convenient dashboard. From there, you can see your various balances, spending breakdowns, and credit score. Plus you can easily set up budgets and discover valuable financial insights — all at no cost.
See exactly how your money comes and goes at a glance.
FAQ
What is the highest-paying phlebotomist job?
Typically, phlebotomists who work in outpatient care centers make the most out of their peers. The median salary for phlebotomists in outpatient care centers was $48,450 as of 2024, per the BLS.
Do phlebotomists make $100K a year?
Typically, phlebotomists don’t earn a $100,000 salary. The median annual wage for phlebotomists is $43,660, and only the highest 10% of earners make around $57,750.
How much do phlebotomists make starting out?
When first starting their careers, phlebotomists should expect to make lower than the median annual wage for this role. The lowest 10% of earners in this role earn less than $34,860. However, their income may rise as they gain more experience.
Photo credit: iStock/SDI Productions
SoFi Relay offers users the ability to connect both SoFi accounts and external accounts using Plaid, Inc.’s service. When you use the service to connect an account, you authorize SoFi to obtain account information from any external accounts as set forth in SoFi’s Terms of Use. Based on your consent SoFi will also automatically provide some financial data received from the credit bureau for your visibility, without the need of you connecting additional accounts. SoFi assumes no responsibility for the timeliness, accuracy, deletion, non-delivery or failure to store any user data, loss of user data, communications, or personalization settings. You shall confirm the accuracy of Plaid data through sources independent of SoFi. The credit score is a VantageScore® based on TransUnion® (the “Processing Agent”) data.
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice.
Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.
Third-Party Brand Mentions: No brands, products, or companies mentioned are affiliated with SoFi, nor do they endorse or sponsor this article. Third-party trademarks referenced herein are property of their respective owners.
Third Party Trademarks: Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®
SORL-Q425-036